30 September 2014

September was a huge month for me. I once heard that you're only suppose to go through one big change a year. Well, I knocked two huge changes in one month: (1) moving in with my boyfriend and (2) moving to a new country continent. And I'm about to add another one to that list, changing jobs. Although, technically, I've half completed that change since I had to quit my previous one to move, but I digress. Here's a look back at some of these changes and my day-to-day activities as of late. Don't forget to follow me (@ofthekindredsoul) on Instagram for real time photo updates.

25 September 2014

My transition into Autumn has been abrupt to say the least. I got on the plane in Montreal and it was 25°C and when I landed in Dublin it was 12°C. Lately I've been wearing variations of this outfit. Comfy pants, a long flowy top and some kind of light jacket. The temperature goes up to 18°C during the day but a jacket is now an essential part of all my looks.

23 September 2014

I've taken several long-haul (5+ hours) flights in the last few years and during this time I have perfected my in-flight beauty routine. My skin is very dry and dehydrated to begin with and it gets far worst after a flight. I try to minimize the side effects of dry recycled airplane air by using products that will help my skin and general health. These are my beauty essentials for any flight. My liquids are always in a clear 1L plastic bag provided by the airport (and legally required) which I then place in a pouch. I got this pouch from Muji and I love how practical it is and the fact that it's somewhat see through. I place all of my other in flight necessities in it as well, including an inflatable head rest, pen, motion sickness tablets, chewing gum, etc.

Antibacterial Wipes: I'm that crazy person on a flight that will use these wipes around the armrests, the food tray and basically anywhere else my skin will have contact with. You never really know how clean a plane is and bacteria and germs are known to stick around for a while. So I prefer to be safe and wipe down my seat and area.

Face Wipes: Just as when you go to bed in the evening, it's important to take your make-up off on a long-haul flight. Though I don't usual use face wipes to remove my make-up, it's the easiest way to take it all off on a plane.

Mouth Wash: So you have clean breath coming off the plane.

NasoGel: The air in planes is known to be recycled and therefore very dry. I often get sinus infections and other problems with my nose when it's dry so I keep the inside of it nice and moisturized with this NasoGel. It prevents a lot of problems for me.

Moisturizing Face Masque: I use whatever sample of masque I have that is ultra moisturizing for my skin. Long-haul flights tends to dry my skin out a lot so I use this to keep it hydrated and plump. The product sample photographed here is the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Instense Masque and it's really great at giving a boost of hydration. (Side note: Masques often say to wipe off after 5 mins but I never do. My skin usually absorbs it right in. So I leave it during the whole flight.)

Lip Balm: Same principle as a masque for the face: to keep your lips hydrated throughout the flight.

Hair clip: To keep all those pesky hairs out of your face.

Toothpaste: Do you need a reason?

Toothbrush: You may notice that this is not a travel size item. The reason being that I hate travel toothbrushes. The brushes are usually stiff and hurt my teeth and gums so I stick to my normal regular size toothbrush.

Perfume: A few spritz before landing and it always makes me feel more alive. The one I like to have is the Jo Malone Orange Blossom because it's just so refreshing. Stick to small samples, they take up no place at all.

Eye masque: This may not be a beauty or health product but it helps with getting your beauty sleep on the plane so I include it in my beauty essentials.

I hope this helps you when packing for your next flight, long or short. What are your in-flight beauty essentials? I'd love to hear yours and get suggestions!

19 September 2014

Hello from Dublin! It has been nearly a week since I've arrived in my new city and a busy one it has been. The flight over had a lot of turbulence which meant that I didn't get much sleep. I was very luckily upgraded to first class (my first time flying first!) and it was amazing. Champagne during takeoff? Yes, please! I landed very early in Dublin and my lovely boyfriend was there to welcome me to my new country. It feels so good to finally be here after months of anticipation, planning and preparing for this moment. Since I've been here we have settled in our new apartment (photos to come soon), familiarized ourselves with our new neighbourhood and enjoyed our time together. Here are some photos I've been taking since I've been here.

10 September 2014

When my mum asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to do in Montreal before I left for Dublin I told her that as long as I went to Schwartz's before I left I'd be happy. Schwartz's is one of my all time favourite places to eat in Montreal because of their incredible — and world renowned — smoked meat sandwiches.

Some may consider the famous deli a tourist trap, since it's listed in virtual every tourist book and people line up outside the tiny place all year round. (Yes, even in the cold winters. Come rain, snow or sleet, you will still find people outside queuing for a seat.) I assure you, Schwartz's isn't a trap of any kind, it is the real deal. There's nothing fancy about this place. They've kept the menu and decor the same for years so the focus is only on the smoked meat. If you're ever in Montreal, I highly recommend you stop by Schwartz's. It's a must try!

5 September 2014

One of my favourite things to do whilst in the country is to drive along the country roads. My father and I often go on our own drives with no where in particular to go. You know what they say, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. We often end up in small towns and discover new parts of the beautiful Eastern Townships, which my Dad loves so much. On one of these drives we spotted this beautiful view and stopped to take a few photos during golden hour. The scenery was gorgeous and it was a beautiful way to end the day.

2 September 2014

I hope everyone has enjoyed their Labour Day weekend, otherwise known as the unofficial end of summer. Contrary to what these photos may seem, they weren't from this weekend but from the last one. I took one last trip to the country to enjoy the summer and the beautiful scenery. It was a lovely weekend that I was able to spend relaxing rather than worrying about the packing and organizing I have ahead of me before my move overseas.

1 September 2014

August went by in such a flash. On one hand I am pleased and relieved it did because it means that I'm that much closer to getting to Dublin. On the other hand I'm sad—along with most other people—that summer has come to an end. This summer will probably be the last "real" summer I have in a while, Irish summers are not as sunny and warm as Montreal summers are, so I tried to not moan about how hot and humid it was and to enjoy it as best I could. As you can see, a lot of time was spent sunbathing by the pool!

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About Me

A 20-something chasing her dreams and making the most of every situation and opportunity. Passionate about all things fashion and a good cup of tea. As John Updike said, "We are most alive when we're in love." Montrealer living in Dublin.